"Isn't mobile enough anymore", "We are cooking" - Barcelona fans provide mixed reaction as superstar included in XI for Real Madrid clash

Barcelona fans online shared mixed feelings about veteran striker Robert Lewandowski starting in their clash against Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final. The much-awaited final is set to take place on January 11 at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

Hansi Flick arguably went with his strongest starting XI to face Real Madrid. Joan Garcia starts at the goal, marking the shot-stopper's first Clasico. The backline features Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, and Alejandro Balde. The midfield includes Frenkie de Jong, Fermin Lopez, and Pedri. The attacking lineup includes Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha.

The clash marks Robert Lewandowski's return to the Barcelona lineup after he was excluded from the lineup in the last five games. Flick has been preferring Ferran Torres as the striker in recent times, with Lewandowski usually coming off the bench.

Fans had mixed reactions to Lewandowski starting against Real Madrid. While some preferred Ferran Torres instead, others believed his presence will help. One Culer wrote:

Some fans disagreed, being excited about the Pole's return:

Meanwhile, others believed starting Lewandowski was a wrong decision:

In 19 games across competitions this season for Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski has contributed nine goals and two assists. He has been a starter in 10 of these games.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta claims relationship with Real Madrid is strained ahead of Spanish Super Cup final clash

In an interview via Mundo Deportivo (h/t Barca Universal), Barcelona president Joan Laporta took a dig at Real Madrid, claiming their relationship with the Spaniards is strained. Laporta said:

"Relations with Real Madrid are very bad and are currently broken. They can always be repaired, but right now they are like this. Madrid want to relive what we experienced last year in terms of the season that was historic for us, and for that, they have to start by winning the Spanish Super Cup."

Laporta was referring to Barcelona's exceptional triumph last season, where they won the domestic treble with LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España. In the latter two cases, the Catalans beat their arch rivals in the final to win the respective titles. They also beat the Merengues in four consecutive Clasicos last season.

However, things did not start well for Barca this season, as they lost 2-1 to Los Blancos in the first Clasico of the season in October last year. Flick's side will hope to redeem themselves tonight and recreate last season's triumph, when they thumbed a 5-2 win against Los Blancos.

Edited by Pratyasha Sarkar